In an unprecedented order, the Supreme Court on Friday issued bailable warrants against serving Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan to ensure his presence before it on March 31 in a contempt case.

Justice Karnan goes down in Indian judicial history as the first serving high court judge against whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the apex court in a contempt case.

A seven-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar took strong note of Justice Karnan’s non-appearance despite being served with the contempt notice and asked the Director General of West Bengal Police to execute the warrants on the judge to ensure his presence at 10.30 am on March 31. The court said it would “appreciate” if the bailable warrants are served on Justice Karnan by the DGP.

“Notice of this petition has been duly served. Despite service, wherein the personal presence of Shri Justice CS Karnan in this court was imperative, he has neither entered appearance in person, nor through counsel,” said the Bench, also comprising Justices Dipak Misra, J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur, PC Ghose and Kurian Joseph.

Karnan hit back at the Supreme Court, calling it “unconstitutional” and alleged he was being targeted for being a Dalit.

Justice Karnan also issued an ‘order’ of registration of a case under the appropriate sections of Schedule Caste and Scheduled Tribe (prevention of atrocities) Act, 1989 on Chief Justice of India Justice JS Khehar and six other judges.

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